Bobbi Bear
The large number of HIV/AIDS victims in South Africa not only disrupts families, but takes entire communities down as well. Without protection from family children risk getting in touch with violence, abuse and exploitation. The past years the number of this kind of incidents has risen dramatically.
Bobbi Bear and children
Bobbi Bear is a therapeutical method that is used to help sexually abused children after their traumatic experience. Victims receive a 'Bobbi Bear' toy to explain what has happened to them and to point out where they are hurting. In addition to that, Bobbi Bear tries to prevent the children from getting infected with HIV and makes sure the charges filed lead to a conviction.
Bobbi Bear and adults
Bobbi Bear not only helps children. Underpriviliged women that devote themselves to helping the society are trained to become a Child Safety Officer (CSO). In exchange for no more than reimbursement for expenses, these women unselfishly dedicate themselves to helping young victims of sexual abuse. All of them are strong women that have, through their work for Bobbi Bear, earned respect and trust within their own community.
The stories these women tell are distressing:
• Zethu’s story (victim)
• Lindiwe’s story (victim)
• Simphiwe’s story (victim)
• Ladyfair’s story (Bobbi Bear CSO)
• Mildred’s story (Bobbi Bear CSO)
How does Uthando help?
Uthando helps Bobbi Bear whenever and wherever she can. The project, that is having a hard time because it has to move out of their current accommodation by the end of May, receives donations from Uthando as soon as money is available, to cover the costs of one of the many needs.
In the past, Uthando has covered costs for CSO training, costs for Bobbi Bear toys, and for a number of 'cases': transporting a child out of the threatening situation, filing charges, medical care and psychological treatment to help deal with the trauma.
Bobbi Bear needs your support, now more than ever. Go to the donor pages to contribute to this special project!
